Fall of Giants (Century Trilogy, 1)

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Also contemplate Ethel and Maud’s work as women’s rights advocates. Were there aspects of each woman’s personal life that seemed at odds with her commitment to advancing the cause of women? Fitz learns of the Zimmerman plan through an intercepted telegram. He gives the information to Gus Dewar. The details include a return of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona to Mexico if Germany wins the war, as well as the intention of encouraging Japan to invade the American West Coast. I keep recommending this book to friends. It's one of those books that both educates and entertains - a real winner as I feel I'm improving myself rather than simply indulging in escapism. If the sheer size of the traditional paper version puts you off, then this is definitely one to do audio-style. The narration is spot on. A boy races into the shop, chased by his mother. The boy runs into Bea, who slaps him in the face. Dewar is disgusted by Bea’s behavior. On April 6, 1917, the United States declares war on Germany. Walter’s only hope now is for the Russian government to collapse so that the anti-war group will take control.

After King George greets Walter, Otto suggests that Walter keep up his friendship with Earl Fitzherbert in case the Conservatives ever return to power. They visit a charity clinic sponsored by Fitz and find Maud working there as Patroness. Walter nervously introduces her to his father. Otto at first is impressed with Maud but finds it disgusting that she is working with a Jewish doctor. The leader of the Russian provisional government, Prime Minister Kerensky, is on his way out. Trotsky is seen as the new leader, and Grigori is at his side as he very subtly takes over. In December of 1923 to January 1924, Fitz gives a speech supporting Percival Jones as Aberowen’s representative. He insults Billy, but Billy does not do the same when he gives his speech. Instead, he focuses on the things that need to change and says the workers are the future. Both he and Ethel win by a landslide and Ethel enjoys walking past Fitz in the House of Commons, finally his equal.After finding an article about Maud in his wallet, Monika guesses that not only is he in love with Maud but is in fact married to her. Despite her pain, she promises to keep their secret. Walter writes a letter to Maud in code, telling her that his family wants him to marry someone and that he has been forced to tell their secret.

Bea tells Fitz that she wants to go to Russia to see Andrei. Fitz sees this as an opportunity to observe conditions in Russia for the Foreign Office. Ethel views the House of Commons victory for women’s suffrage with some regret that she and Maud are no longer championing the cause together. Passing by, Fitz warns her that it will be defeated in the House of Lords.

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The publication of Fall of Giants will be a major international event, with simultaneous publication in at least fifteen countries. Is this the biggest publication event of your career to date? Gus is sent to Berlin once the election is over. There, he meets Walter and says that Wilson wants the Germans and Allies to hold peace talks. However, Otto says they need a total victory and that America’s army is too small to matter. Walter then writes a love letter to Maud and sends it through Gus, promising that they will deliver Wilson’s proposal to the Kaiser. Gus tells Maud about the peace talks as Fitz tells them there will be no compromise in the British government. Gus gives Maud the letter, much to her excitement. I doubt it. Most people know history is more complex than good guys and bad guys. But few of us know why the First World War happened or why the Bolsheviks won the Russian Revolution. I want readers first of all to enjoy the story, but second to feel, when they put the book down, that they now understand things that used to seem incomprehensible. Billy Williams and his father argue over Billy’s growing spiritual doubts. They are interrupted by the entrance of Mrs. Dai Ponies, the widow of one of the workers killed in the mine accident. She has received an eviction notice to make way for a current mine worker and has two weeks to find a new home for herself and her five children.

Yes, it will surprise many readers, but more importantly I think they will relish the courage and resourcefulness of women in first getting around these restrictions and then abolishing them.

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Is it significant that Fall of Giants begins with the stories of Billy and Ethel Williams? Would the novel have been different if other characters’ stories opened the book, such as those of Grigori and Lev Peshkov, or Gus Dewar? Walter manages to sneak through enemy lines in his mission to gather intelligence concerning the number of British soldiers along the Somme. He is overwhelmed when he sees thousands of men gathered in one spot. Ken Follett’s magnificent new historical epic beginsas five interrelated families move through the momentous dramas of the First World War, the Russian Revolution, and the struggle for women’s suffrage.